Charlotte and Joe relocate to some rural outback, bringing with them Mike the Squirrel (a raucous Scouse tree dweller) who wastes no time annoying the stuffy and sedate Tony the Owl (who just enjoys peace and quiet). While the animals try to get along, the humans attempt to adjust to the change in lifestyle and circumstance.

This dual storyline is part of the problem, as it leads to the show being drawn in different directions. The age guide is 4–7 but realistically anyone over the age of five is likely to find it a little sluggish, and on the evidence of this performance, younger audience members are likely to enjoy the puppets but become visibly and audibly restless whenever they aren't present.

Both cast members are energetic and endearing but the confused storytelling, lack of a clear underlying message and failure to make the most of the puppet characters in favour of the human story leaves the adults cold and the children fidgeting.

Tom Frankland and Laura Mugridge
Tony the Owl lives in the countryside. He’s really happy until Joe and Charlotte move from the city and ruin his peace and quiet. To make matters worse, they’ve brought Mike the squirrel with them. He’s loud, cheeky and he likes to party! A new story, from Fringe First Award winners Tom…